AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel

Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel

Reply #15 – Today at 04:54:29 pm

I thought that Weiters looked a bit rusty in the Magoos but was clearly a class above everyone else on the park. He took 12 marks, most of them contested in my book, in conditions that didn't really suit marking. Our three AFL-listed ruck-forwards managed just three marks between them.

On form alone, Reidy should be promoted, but he won't be. Pitto was even better, and with English out, I doubt whether we'd be going with two ruckmen. Again, on form alone, I'm not sure that Weiters should be promoted. On potential and importance to the team, he's a monty to be recalled. But who misses out?

Lobb and Naughton shouldn't hold too many terrors for our defenders although Lobb has a lot of size over Derksen, Dean and Haynes, and Weiters for that matter, but an in form Weiters would be far too good for Lobb. Lewis Young has done well on Lobb in the past and, since his recall, has provided us with a versatile tall who can play forward and back and pinch hit in the ruck. Having Young as a fallback if Lobb was to get the better of Derksen and/or Dean would be handy. If we go like for like, it will be Derksen who misses out, as unfair as that may be, but fairness shouldn't get in the way of putting the best combination on the field.

Another possibility is that Cerra's hamstring is worse than I thought and he can't play. In that case, I would bring Weiters in, play McGovern in Cerra's role, and swing Derksen forward. If Cerra is good to play, I'd be inclined to go with an unchanged side and bring Weiters back for the Freo game where he will be needed.

I expect that Weiters will be desperate to get back, but he is level-headed and a committed team player who will go along with what's best for the team.